Coins - In for a penny, in for a pound

Time Saver

An online guide which provides a wealth of information about different types of coins from the standard gold and silver coinage to the rare variety.

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For over 2,500 years mankind has used coins, those flat, round cut unassuming pieces of metal, as currency for buying everything from food, mules, and horses to wives and slaves. Coinage has come a long way since it was first cast in electrum by the ancient Lydians around 630 B.C.

Since that time coins have survived civilisations, world wars, natural disasters and centuries of circulation. They’ve been commissioned by everyone from Napoleon and Cleopatra to Hitler and Julius Caesar. At the same time coins provide a platform for nations to display their artistic expression and pass down geographical, political and social history.

And you thought it was just spare change…

Coin collecting is known as the ‘Hobby of Kings’, and is an inexpensive and intriguing hobby for millions of people around the world. While most would deem themselves casual coin collectors, some are collecting rare and valuable coins with worth into the hundreds of thousands (and possibly millions) of dollars.

The use of coins as a form of solid investment in precious metals has also caught on around the world, and commemorative, proof and bullion coins are highly sought after collectors’ items.

Coin collecting: gold, silver, rare, old, US, UK

Look through the left hand menu for coins of the world, including rare US and UK coins, gold and silver coins, and the introduction of modern coinage from the ancient world.

Collectors will find information on valuation and appraisal of collections as well as where to buy, sell and trade pieces of your collection. If you’re looking for something specific, there’s the opportunity to read up on old and rare coins, as well as the supplies you’ll need to build a healthy collection.